In an often conservative field, Ubitech Construcții acts as a catalyst for transformation. Under the leadership of Cătălin Podaru, the company has positioned itself as a strategic player in national infrastructure and as a living laboratory of applied innovation: artificial intelligence for autonomous inspections, extended reality for error prevention in execution, and a holistic Digital Twin for making the best decisions in design and execution.

It’s not just about using technology to make a good impression, but about a way of working that’s all about radical efficiency, predictable quality, and data-driven decisions. At a time when the construction industry needs clarity and vision more than ever, Ubitech manages to offer both.

2024 was a challenging year for many construction companies. How did this year look for UBITECH, in terms of figures and lessons learned?

Year 2024 was undoubtedly a challenging year for the Romanian construction industry, marked by economic and geopolitical instability, inflationary pressures, and rising construction prices. However, Ubitech Construcții demonstrated not only resilience, but also a real capacity for adaptation and evolution.

Ubitech carried out several important projects at the national level last year, and the benchmark remains the completion in record time of the works related to phase I of the project to expand and modernize the air infrastructure at Câmpia Turzii, 25% ahead of schedule.

Although the construction industry has faced significant challenges, Ubitech has remained at the top of the list of general contractors in Romania, according to several specialist rankings. This position reflects both the scale and diversity of the projects managed and the intelligent integration of technology into the workflow. Process automation, advanced data analysis, and the adoption of artificial intelligence gave Ubitech a competitive advantage in 2024.

How did the construction market evolve in 2024 from a general contractor’s perspective? Especially in the area of complex and technologically advanced projects.

The construction market in Romania went through a period of significant adjustment last year, with a 5.9% decline in volume, according to INS data. However, the complex and technology-driven projects segment continued to evolve, showing a clear trend towards digitalization and automation.

The adoption of advanced technologies in construction has played a key role in maximizing operational efficiency. For example, drones have become increasingly present on construction sites in Romania, providing high-precision aerial mapping and facilitating remote inspections in hard-to-reach areas, thus contributing to the monitoring of project progress.

At the same time, the adoption of digital technologies has enabled better coordination between teams and a reduction in errors, which are essential in the context of labor challenges and rising costs. Thus, although 2024 was a challenging year for the construction sector as a whole, companies that invested in innovation and advanced technologies demonstrated greater adaptability and resilience.

What projects or clients have marked your evolution in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025? Is there an emblematic project or strategic partnership that best reflects Ubitech’s DNA during this period?

In 2024, Ubitech Construcții focused on strategic projects, particularly through its engagement in the development of defense infrastructure, and the project in Câmpia Turzii was certainly the most complex.

In the first quarter of 2025, the strategic direction was maintained with three new projects contracted in the defense area, for the implementation of the last phase of the expansion of the static infrastructure of The Headquarters Multinational Division South East in Sibiu, the construction of platforms and light shelters for aircraft and an aviation materials warehouse at Borcea Air Base 86, and the construction of an administrative pavilion in Bucharest.

The Ubitech specialists who were part of the development of the project in Câmpia Turzii were, beyond their professional ethics and commitment to their work, much more motivated, understanding the responsibility and importance of the project. When working on such projects, professional patriotism best defined the involvement of the Ubitech team and stakeholders in achieving a very high level of quality.

What are the most visible differences between traditional construction and construction using BIM integration + tech management?

The most visible differences between traditional construction and construction using BIM integration and tech management relate to the level of consistency, predictability, and control over the entire process.

While traditional construction often faces inconsistencies between the design and execution phases, delays, and additional costs, BIM integration provides a unified and dynamic view of the project, allowing project teams to identify conflicts as early as the planning phase.

In addition, tech management of the construction site ensures traceability, resource optimization, and informed decisions in real time. This reduces execution time, improves cost control, and enhances project quality.

How do you differentiate genuine innovation from “digital washing” in a real technology project? What are the signs that a company is only pretending to digitalize, without any concrete impact on execution?

Genuine innovation is reflected in concrete results and fundamental changes in the way of working, not just in the adoption of new tools. A company that truly digitizes integrates technology into key processes, optimizes its operations, and generates visible value both internally and for its beneficiaries.

In contrast, “digital washing” is easily recognized where there is no clear strategy, technology is used only for image, and there is no impact on execution. If there is no measurable improvement in efficiency, productivity, or quality, digitization remains just a label without substance.

Is there a technology that you constantly think about, but which today seems “too early” for the Romanian market? What would convince you to take that gamble anyway?

One of the technologies we strongly believe in and are focusing on involves virtual assistants on construction sites, integrated directly into the work of field specialists.

Ubitech has always been at the forefront of digitalization in construction, and today our level of achievement is comparable to the most advanced international markets. A concrete example is SiteCheck AI, a solution developed by eConfaire Immersive Design, one of our group companies. It allows quality checks and controls to be performed using an AI agent, which can be queried directly through Ray-Ban Meta glasses. In practice, users can access plans, images, technical data sheets, ask relevant questions from checklists, and at the end of the visit, they automatically receive a report with preliminary observations.

We are currently testing this solution, which premiered at InnoConstruct 2025 – Digital 2win, an event that Cluster TEC organized. We believe that this tool can redefine how we work on construction sites.

How do you see the use of drones not only for mapping, but also for autonomous surveillance, automatic inspection, and progress management on construction sites? Are you already using such solutions?

The use of drones has rapidly evolved from a mapping tool to an essential element in autonomous surveillance, automatic inspection, and project progress management.

Our group of companies is already using drones. For example, our group’s specialists have used them in various projects to generate point clouds, digital terrain models (DTM/DSM), and orthophotomaps, which have provided them with a complete overview of the design area. We also use drones equipped with thermal cameras to assess the energy efficiency of buildings, as well as drone-mounted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to detect underground elements.

What could XR simulations teach us about design mistakes before they happen? Do you already use preview technologies in Ubitech processes?

XR (Extended Reality) simulations offer a clear advantage in the execution phase, allowing construction site teams to realistically visualize what they are about to build before work actually begins. Using augmented or virtual reality, personnel involved in the execution process visualize how to install certain elements and identify the locations of networks within walls or floors. They can also anticipate installation difficulties or areas with limited access—challenges that conventional plans or 3D models often fail to reveal.

Ubitech specialists are already using preview technologies on construction sites, especially for highly complex technical work. For example, integrating XR into execution procedures allows them to validate technical solutions directly in the field, train teams more efficiently, and prevent errors or non-conformities that would otherwise only become apparent after execution. In practice, simulations function as a “dress rehearsal” before actual execution, significantly reducing the risk of remediation or delays.

This approach not only helps to increase the quality of execution, but also strengthens discipline and team cohesion, as all actors involved know exactly what to do, how, and where—in an immersive and intuitive way.

Blockchain has long been associated with crypto, but today it is becoming increasingly relevant in logistics and contract execution. Could smart contracts become the norm in relationships between developers and contractors? What obstacles do you see to adoption?

Smart contracts, based on blockchain technology, have the potential to transform relationships between developers and contractors in construction, providing transparency, automation, and efficiency in contract execution. By automating processes such as payments upon reaching predefined milestones or delivery validation, these contracts can significantly reduce disputes and delays.

However, widespread adoption faces notable obstacles. These include a lack of in-depth understanding of the technology among construction professionals, resistance to change, and insufficient integration of digitalization in the industry. Furthermore, the current legal framework is not fully adapted to regulate and validate smart contracts, which can lead to legal uncertainty.

For smart contracts to become the norm, it is essential to educate and train specialists in the field, adapt legislation to recognize and regulate these digital tools, and promote an organizational culture open to innovation. By addressing these challenges, the construction industry can reap the significant benefits offered by smart contracts.

How do you manage circularity in your company’s projects, i.e., the reuse of materials, waste reduction, and resource optimization? Is Romania ready for this paradigm shift?

We approach circularity as an essential component of sustainability in construction, and we have implemented a series of digital solutions to monitor and manage resources efficiently.

We optimize the procurement and assembly phases to minimize losses. On-site, we apply selective sorting and track material efficiency indicators. We adopt 3D models and digital planning (e.g., BIM) to reduce execution errors that generate waste. We also collaborate with designers to introduce circular economy concepts from the concept phase, by selecting renewable materials and elements that are easy to dismantle or reuse and minimizing components that are difficult to recycle.

Regarding Romania’s preparedness for this paradigm shift, there has been significant progress, including the adoption of the National Strategy on Circular Economy, which provides a framework for transitioning to a more sustainable economic model. However, the widespread implementation of circular economy principles in the construction sector faces challenges, including the lack of adequate infrastructure for recycling and reuse, as well as the need to update regulations to support these practices.

Although Romania has taken necessary steps towards the circular economy, it is essential to continue efforts to overcome existing obstacles and fully exploit the potential of this model in the construction sector.

The role of construction companies is to be an active part of this paradigm shift, piloting circular solutions and promoting best practices in collaboration with their partners and authorities.

Innovation comes not only from technology, but also from mindset. As a leader, what do you do to stimulate a culture of experimentation and outside-the-box thinking within the Ubitech team?

Integrating artificial intelligence-based solutions, such as Microsoft Copilot, into our workflows is one of our priorities. This initiative has had a significant impact on how our team approaches daily tasks.

By automating repetitive and administrative activities, Copilot has freed up valuable time for our specialists, allowing them to focus on strategic and innovative activities. This change has been essential in stimulating creativity within the team, allowing specialists to explore new solutions and generate multiple iterations in their work processes.

This approach has not only increased productivity but also encouraged a culture of experimentation and outside-the-box thinking, which is essential for continuous innovation in the construction industry.

Moreover, Ubitech is a company founded in 2015, but with a 2050 mindset. How do you attract and retain young people who are passionate about tech in construction?

At Ubitech Construction, we attract and retain young people passionate about tech in our team by providing them with the latest technologies in the construction field and keeping them connected to international trends.

Professionals are motivated by the opportunity to work in a company where innovation is part of the organization’s DNA, and this approach allows us to build and maintain a strong, future-oriented team.

How does a construction CEO run a company when innovation is so rapid that today’s decisions may be outdated tomorrow? What tools or principles do you use to navigate this uncertainty?

We don’t see the speed of transformation as a threat, but as a great opportunity. That’s why we rely on a culture where curiosity, agility, and courage are fundamental. We use technology not just to keep up to date, but to anticipate and shape the future.

What is the “blind spot” of the construction industry in Romania, a significant opportunity that almost no one sees yet?

A critical blind spot in Romanian construction is still the limited approach to the circular economy and the intelligent reuse of resources. In the current context, viewing sustainability not as an obligation but as a major competitive advantage represents a significant opportunity that is still underutilized in the industry.

Do you think that in 10 or 20 years, construction sites will still exist as we know them today? Or will we move to a fully industrialized, automated, and intelligent ecosystem, with almost no human involvement?

In the next 10-20 years, construction sites will no longer resemble those of today. We are moving towards an ecosystem where automation, industrialization, and artificial intelligence will dominate almost all repetitive or dangerous processes.

In this context, the role of humans will not disappear. Still, it will fundamentally change: they will become the creators and coordinators of processes primarily managed by technology, focusing on creative, strategic, and complex tasks that require human intelligence and continuous adaptability. The future is not about humans being absent, but about how humans and technology will collaborate in a completely new way.

Are you considering developing a new product or service within your company, perhaps even your own tech division or an in-house software solution?

At the level of our group of companies, we already have a hub specializing in technological development—eConfaire Immersive Design, a division dedicated exclusively to the creation and implementation of innovative, in-house developed software solutions.

The eConfaire team works to continuously develop advanced digital tools designed to increase the performance, efficiency, and competitiveness of all companies in our group, including Ubitech Construcții. Thus, not only are we considering it, but we are already actively involved in the continuous development of our own technological products and services.

Ubitech is one of the few Romanian companies playing in the big league of construction innovation. Where do you want to take the brand in the next 5-10 years? What will remain the same, and what will be completely transformed?

Over the next 5-10 years, we aim to put Romania on the global map of construction innovation by developing advanced technological solutions and international benchmark projects. We will maintain our commitment to excellence while continuing to transform how technology radically shapes the entire construction industry.

This interview was published by IBC Focus and featured in the TOP 100 General Contractors in Construction 2025 magazine.